Activities for Seniors
Save time with 1000s of activity ideas & helpful resources. Plan and implement activity programs that are stimulating, relevant, and suit a wide range of needs and interests.
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Fast Food Trivia Quiz
This is a front and back quiz that includes the answers on the sidebar.
Quiz 436 02 Comments New Member Activity
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Foam Flowers
These are really pretty and make a nice keepsake!
Craft Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada) Mothering Sunday (UK) Valentine's Day Spring (Northern Hemisphere) Spring (Southern Hemisphere) 227 12 Comments New Member Activity
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Who Am I? July Birthdays
Guess who these famous people of yesteryear are - all born in July!! A fun reminiscing activity.
Who Am I Quiz * July Anytime * 223 2New
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All About Africa Quiz
This quiz is all about the African continent and people!
Multicultural Quiz International Friendship Day 210 31 Comment New
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All About Africa Trivia
Here are some interesting facts and figure about the countries of Africa!
Trivia Multicultural International Friendship Day 144 4New
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This Day in History for Seniors: July
A reminiscing magazine for every day in July! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!
This Day in History * July Anytime * 6675 55 Comments Updated
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Beach Reminiscing
The theme for this reminiscing session is: The Beach.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia * January Anytime * * July Anytime * 8968 610 Comments Updated
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Pies and Cobblers Sensory Kit
For most of our residents, a homemade pie or cobbler was a part of their summer experience. You can recreate those memories by stimulating the senses by building a sensory kit to use during small groups or during 1:1 interactions.
Sensory Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 205 7New Member Activity
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Picnic Word Finder
See how many words you can find in this picnic themed word finder!
Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 202 8New
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Soda Shop Cart
Carts are not only a fun way to reach every resident throughout your community, but they have become especially crucial to engagement during pandemic precautions.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 383 9New
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NRL Tipping 2020 - Updated
NRL Tipping spreadhsheet with formulas to automatically calculate each person's tally. Score cards for each round of fixtures included!
Australia 772 108 Comments New
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It Happened in July Quiz
This quiz is all about things relating to July. It includes historical events and trivia. It's tricky and informative and will promote much discussion!
Quiz * July Anytime * 205 11New
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Stargazer Social
While we tend to throw most of our big social events during daytime hours, you don’t have to be confined by a daytime schedule. Instead, delight your residents by throwing an evening social event all dedicated to the night sky.
Theme Days Hobby Clubs * July Anytime * 8 12New
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Brainteasing Riddles Quiz
Have fun with these brainteasing riddles!
Quiz Riddles * July Anytime * 839 13New
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Hilarious Things Said in Court
The book ‘Disorder in the Court’ was published in 1992 and written by Charles M. Sevilla, a Criminal Defense Lawyer based in San Diego, US. These extracts were actually said in court!
Jokes International Joke Day * July Anytime * 478 141 Comment New
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Funny Short Stories #8
The next installment in our funny short stories series!
Jokes Short Stories * July Anytime * International Joke Day 558 15New
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100 Movie Recommendations for Seniors
There is something special about sitting down comfortably with some popcorn to watch a good movie with a few friends during the festive season; especially if the movie makes you laugh, lifts your spirits and inspires you.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 Hobby Clubs Articles 4580 168 Comments Updated
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How to Start a Read Aloud Program for Seniors
Reading is a popular leisure activity among people of all ages. However, reading aloud is often something we reserve for school-aged children. Learn how making a Read Aloud program can positively impact your residents, staff, and the entire community.
World Read Aloud Day 849 171 Comment New Member Activity
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Pleasant Face Exercises
Sometimes we forget about the face, here are 4 short exercises.
Exercise 649 182 Comments Member Activity
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Recycled Materials Mexican Pinata
We made this pinata for the upcoming Mexican fiesta and it turned out to be a great fun which kept all the clients engaged and motivated. This is something they they can use as a gift for their grandkids!
Craft Mexican Independence Day 118 192 Comments Member Activity
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Music Bingo
I downloaded instrumental versions of each song from YouTube to play in leu of calling cards. I use an iPad to play the songs for the residents and use the shuffle feature to start each new game. If you're unable to actually play each song, I included calling cards.
Music Bingo World Music Day International Music Day 1026 202 Comments Member Activity
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How to Manage Conflict Within Your Activity Department
Conflict between team members is common, especially in high-stress environments like a senior living community. However, conflict without a resolution can lead to grumpy staff members, increased turnover, and lots of drama. Here’s how to handle it appropriately.
Articles 1054 216 Comments Member Activity
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Gilly, Gilly... Story in Song
Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer Katzenellen Bogen by the Sea. Our clients love this song at the Day Care Centre, because they can join in by singing the words wih Max Bygraves.
Music 509 221 Comment Member Activity
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Make Your Own Dominoes Game
I made my own dominoes game. I laminated it, bagged it up and sent it out in my activities packs.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 Games 660 2310 Comments Member Activity
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15 Ways To Encourage Residents Who Are Lonely or Sad
Residents can feel lonely and isolated, whether or not they are in the midst of a global pandemic. Here are a few ways you can validate those feelings of loneliness and find new ways to connect with residents who are feeling alone.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 Articles 2414 247 Comments
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A Few Quick Jokes
What happened when the dentist and manicurist had an argument? They fought tooth and nail.
Jokes 1323 251 Comment Member Activity
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The Happy Wanderer - Exercise and Singalong
March by lifting heels only off the floor up and down alternatively. Enjoy and have fun!
Exercise Music 802 261 Comment Member Activity
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Macarena: Learn the Exercise, Then do the Dance
This may seem hard, but do it slowly and you will soon learn it, and when you feel confident you will be able to do these steps and DANCE THE MACARENA!
Music Exercise 719 275 Comments Member Activity
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10 Activities to Celebrate VE Day in Lockdown
Due to Covid-19, the usual celebrations have been cancelled for this year. Still, we can adapt activities to celebrate the Allied troops, and remember what this victory cost them.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 784 28
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Wartime Songs Word Search
A wartime songs word search to enjoy!
Word Search D-Day 1064 29
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Armchair Travel to Turkey
This comprehensive armchair travel activity includes everything you need for a full day of travel to TURKEY! Fact files, trivia, quizzes, music, food, posters, craft and more! We hope you enjoy the TURKEY travelog!
Armchair Travel Turkey 831 304 Comments
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Turkey Quiz
Have some fun testing your knowledge and learning about Turkey with this quiz!
Turkey Quiz 286 31
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16 Snippets of Turkish Trivia
Here are some fascinating facts about Turkey!
Turkey Trivia 211 32
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Turkey Fact File
An attractive one-page fact file all about Turkey. Print, distribute and discuss!
Turkey Multicultural 232 33
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Turkey Landmark Posters
Posters of beautiful Turkish landscapes!
Turkey Posters 91 34
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Turkey Travel Posters
Turkey travel posters - a great way to decorate the room for a Turkish theme day!
Turkey Posters 70 35
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Turkey Bunting Templates
Bunting templates for decoration in the colors of the Turkish flag!
Turkey 33 36
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Words That Contain ANT Quiz
All answers to this quiz contain ANT in them!
Quiz Words That Start With * June Anytime * 1094 372 Comments
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Who Am I? June Birthdays
Guess who these famous people of yesteryear are - all born in June! A fun reminiscing activity.
Quiz Who Am I * June Anytime * 1240 38
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Motown Quiz
Here is a fun Motown themed quiz for reminiscing and discussion. A great quiz for babyboomers!
Quiz Music * June Anytime * World Music Day 637 392 Comments
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Bunker Bingo
I copied 90 - 4”x5” bingo cards (we have 90 units here), keep that as a master copy, copy a second batch then tape their paper copy to their door...
Bingo Coronavirus: Covid-19 1252 4016 Comments Member Activity
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Short Easy Seated Exercise Routine
Hands on shoulders, head, and up in the air, hands on head, shoulders and down...
Exercise 610 411 Comment Member Activity
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Relaxing Chair Exercises For Upper Body
Here is a relaxing chair exercise for hands, arms, wrists and fingers.
Exercise 626 424 Comments Member Activity
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The Grand Old Durke of York Exercise and Singalong
The March can be done by either first lifting up and down the RIGHT LEG and then the LEFT LEG or lifting up and down the RIGHT HEEL and then the LEFT HEEL which ever is the easiest then adding the arms.
180 431 Comment Member Activity
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Funny Short Stories #7
Some more funny short stories to share!
Short Stories Jokes 2673 444 Comments Member Activity
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10 Ways to Celebrate International Nurses Day During Covid-19
International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 each year on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Here are some ways you can celebrate the occasion under Covid-19 restrictions.
Coronavirus: Covid-19 International Nurses day National Nursing Home Week (US) 2580 452 Comments
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My Favourite Things Singalong - Senior Version
Here is a hilarious version of My Favourite Things - adapted to be about seniors!
Poetry Music International Nurses day World Music Day 1524 461 Comment
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It Happened in June Quiz
This quiz is all about things relating to June. It includes historical events and trivia. It's tricky and informative and will promote much discussion!
Quiz * June Anytime * 892 47
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A Boy to His Dad Poem
This one would be a nice one for Fathers Day!
Poetry Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) 216 481 Comment Member Activity
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General Knowledge Quiz 11
Another fun pot luck quiz to enjoy alone or as part of a group activity!
Quiz 1482 49
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Free Activity Calendar for Seniors
You can now add Daily Schedules, Icons, and Print at a variety of sizes! This easy to edit activity calendar can be pre-filled with upcoming events and celebration ideas for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A perfect resource for activity coordinators working with the elderly.
Forms & Templates Articles 69622 087 Comments
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20 Practical Activities for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease
20 activities for the elderly with dementia. The following ideas may be used on a one-to-one basis and others may be suitable for small groups depending on their abilities. These dementia activities are designed to promote and maintain existing skills.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Articles 36231 163 Comments
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Words in Words Game
This game is very popular! It provides mental stimulation, social interaction and promotion of self-worth.
Word Games 28005 270 Comments
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The Price is Right Game
This is such a fun game! Residents will love reminiscing about the price of groceries in a social setting.
Games Alzheimer's & Dementia 27100 352 Comments
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Things that go Together Quiz
There are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!
Quiz Alzheimer's & Dementia Coronavirus: Covid-19 24062 435 Comments
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How To Structure Reminiscing Sessions For Seniors
Reminiscing with the elderly is a wonderful way to validate the lives of individuals and provide seniors with a sense of purpose, especially those living with dementia. Reminiscing activities also encourage social interaction and promote interpersonal skills.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Articles 22479 530 Comments
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Games for People Living with Dementia
Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Games Articles 19923 639 Comments
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Balloon Games
Gentle exercise for the arms as well as an opportunity to socialize! Great for game for the elderly. Also suitable for people living with dementia.
Exercise Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 19241 758 Comments
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School Days Reminiscing Cards
This is a wonderful game that can be adapted to any occasion. Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia World Teachers Day 19235 827 Comments
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Bucket of Bean Bags Game
This simple and fun game promotes friendships and physical activity!
Exercise Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 18613 917 Comments
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6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly
Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!
Articles Games Word Games Happy Hour Coronavirus: Covid-19 18390 1030 Comments
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Difficult Behaviour Care Plan 1
Anna is a 79 year old lady living with 2nd stage dementia. She seems to understand what staff say but is very slow to respond. She is restless most of the day, sitting for only minutes at time...
Care Plans 17293 1134 Comments
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Musical Bingo
Musical Bingo improves recall and provides opportunities to reminisce. It is also an enjoyable and sociable game. This game was created by a Music Therapist I worked with and it was very popular in our Dementia Care Unit. If you don't have time to put the game together, ask a volunteer to help you. All you need is a computer, a printer and a laminator. This activity includes downloadable song cards and calling cards.
Music Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Bingo International Music Day World Music Day 17268 1212 Comments
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Finish the Sayings and Proverbs Game
This fun and simple game is great for seniors including people living with dementia. Includes well known sayings, idioms and proverbs that they will remember from their past.
Word Games Games Alzheimer's & Dementia Happy Hour Coronavirus: Covid-19 17148 1331 Comments
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Sample Activities Calendars
Sample monthly and weekly activity calendars for activity coordinators working in nursing homes. I know from experience that when i first started at a rest home I was thrown in the deep end, and I just thought by sharing this it may help out a newbie to develop their activities program. This is a wonderful resource to help you plan ahead. Thanks to everyone who has shared their calendar.
Forms & Templates 16866 1442 Comments Member Activity
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Recycled Dream Spring Tree
Celebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!
Craft Colouring Spring (Southern Hemisphere) Spring (Northern Hemisphere) Summer (Southern Hemisphere) Summer (Northern Hemisphere) 16251 1554 Comments
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10 Activities to Make Seniors Laugh
Instilling a culture of humor and laughter into long-term care facilities is good for everyone and may even improve the overall functioning and well-being of your clients. It is important to incorporate funny and amusing activities into your regular program that cater to all tastes.
Jokes Articles 16044 1616 Comments
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Songs for Seniors Quiz
Here is an over 80s song list. It includes lyrics to over 80 popular songs from yesteryear to enjoy in a sing-along. Sing the first line, and then ask residents to sing the next line!
Music Quiz Coronavirus: Covid-19 International Music Day World Music Day 16040 1777 Comments Member Activity
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Free Music Playlists for the Elderly
Music has been proven to be very beneficial for the elderly in long term care, particularly those living with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Here are some wonderful free playlists of famous songs from the 40s, 50s & 60s!
Music Articles 15640 1828 Comments
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How to write a Care Plan
The documentation process varies from facility to facility but there are usually three important steps to follow.
Care Plans Articles 15406 1920 Comments
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Spot the Differences Contest
Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest! This is a great group activity for seniors!
Games Spot the Difference Colouring Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) General Activities - August * September Anytime * 14475 2018 Comments
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Care Plan Goals & Interventions
Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.
Articles Care Plans 14124 2112 Comments
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15 uplifting activities for people with limited mobility
Elderly people who are confined to bed for long periods of time because of diagnosis or frailty often experience severe mood swings. They get tired of sitting or lying down, become bored with life and miss social contact with others.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia One-on-One 13982 2215 Comments
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Dementia Program - Weekly
This sample program is for acute Dementia care. Some people like to do it weekly, others monthly. Download the form and adjust it to suit you.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Forms & Templates 13941 2310 Comments
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Read Aloud Activities for the Elderly
For the elderly who loved to read all their lives, listening to someone read to them can bring profound comfort and joy. Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a difference! Read-aloud activities are an intervention well worth pursuing.
Articles Reminiscing Hobby Clubs Coronavirus: Covid-19 World Read Aloud Day 13736 2424 Comments
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Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care
Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses such as taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Sensory stimulation is a key component for improving the quality of life of people living with dementia.
Articles Sensory Alzheimer's & Dementia 13421 2515 Comments
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Christmas Quiz
Here's a fun Christmas quiz for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Quiz Christmas 13264 266 Comments
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Armchair Travel: A Sensory Experience for Seniors
Armchair Travel takes people to faraway places without leaving home. It provides a sensory experience and the opportunity to learn about exotic lands and important past events in a meaningful manner. This is a wonderful activity for seniors living in nursing homes and suitable for people with dementia.
Articles Multicultural Alzheimer's & Dementia New Zealand Reminiscing Colouring Armchair Travel Coronavirus: Covid-19 13152 2733 Comments
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Indigenous Australian Dot Paintings
Indigenous Australians use plant shoots, Echidna quills and small twigs to paint their Dreamtime stories. Here are 12 Dot Painting Templates to enjoy with the elderly.
Craft Australia Colouring Australia Day NAIDOC Week World Indigenous Day 12688 2813 Comments
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50 Activities for the Elderly in Lockdown and Isolation
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing chaos worldwide and this is a hard time for so many. We need to hang in there - these crazy times will pass. Here are some in-room activitiy ideas for residents to enjoy while in isolation.
Articles Coronavirus: Covid-19 12379 2918 Comments
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Tips for Writing Successful Activity Programs for Senior Care
Designing activity programs for residents in nursing homes and long term care requires creative thinking and enthusiasm. Your main point of reference will be the assessment of your clients.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12141 3016 Comments
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How to Plan Music Activities for Dementia Care
Everyone responds instinctively to music. A person’s ability to engage in music often remains intact far into the advanced stages of dementia. Music triggers certain networks of the brain that benefit people suffering from difficulties with language, cognition, or motor control.
One-on-One Music Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12079 3110 Comments
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How to motivate residents in long term care
Encouraging the elderly to participate in scheduled activities can be challenging. Lack of engagement is a common problem. It is important that you identify any barriers - whether perceived or real - that might be preventing residents from getting involved.
Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 12058 3230 Comments
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Heart of Kindness
This is a group activity suitable for other celebrations as well, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day.
Craft World Kindness Day Valentine's Day Mothering Sunday (UK) Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada) 12018 338 Comments
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Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors
It is not uncommon for seniors living in assisted-living facilities to lack mental stimulation and social contact. Recreation Therapists often use one-on-one visits to respond to the needs of those who avoid social settings. There are many enjoyable games and activities that can keep minds and bodies strong and active.
One-on-One Articles Alzheimer's & Dementia 11985 3414 Comments
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13 Reminiscing Themes for Seniors
Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and maintain self worth.
Articles Reminiscing 11921 3511 Comments
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15 Activities for Loners and Introverted Seniors
Most long term care facilities have some residents who are ‘loners’ or ‘introverts’; they enjoy being in their bedrooms and do not often pursue interaction with others.
Articles One-on-One 11873 3626 Comments
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Festive Wall Art Craft
Lovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.
Craft Valentine's Day Easter Halloween 11522 376 Comments Video
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Name a Word Quiz #1
Here's a fun word game for Seniors - Name a word starting with the same letter across 10 categories. Answers included!
Quiz Word Games * July Anytime * 11093 384 Comments
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Brain Quiz – Guess the Words
Challenge your brain and guess the words that fit these sentences.
Quiz * July Anytime * 10784 392 Comments
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This Day in History for Seniors: January
A reminiscing magazine for every day in January! Enjoy a full page of information about every day of the year, including important historical events, short bios, jokes, quotes, and fun brain teasers.
This Day in History Short Stories Trivia * January Anytime * 10747 4047 Comments
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Activities for Men
Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.
For Men Articles 10735 417 Comments
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Bow Ties for Father's Day and Special Events
VIDEO Instructions included! Make bow ties in a craft session and give it to your male residents on Father’s Day to help celebrate this festive occasion.
Craft Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) 10589 4216 Comments Video
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This Day in History for Seniors: February
** Updated for the 2020 Leap Year ** A reminiscing magazine for every day in February! Filled with interesting facts, trivia, hit singles and famous movies from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
This Day in History Short Stories Trivia * February Anytime * 10563 4324 Comments
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Table soccer
This is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.
Games For Men Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) 10525 447 Comments
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Old Wives Tales - True or False?
Old wives tales are widely held traditional beliefs that are now thought to be unscientific or incorrect. Nevertheless, many old wives tales have been scientifically proven to be true! Can you guess which ones?
Quiz Trivia Happy Hour * November Anytime * 10457 459 Comments
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Scent Guessing
Sensory stimulation with familiar scents. A fun activity for seniors and the elderly living with dementia.
Sensory Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Aromatherapy One-on-One Mothering Sunday (UK) Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada) 10329 4628 Comments
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Guessing Game - Who Am I?
This is a wonderful reminiscing activity in a group setting. Guess the names of these famous people from the clues provided.
Reminiscing Alzheimer's & Dementia Games Who Am I 10311 479 Comments
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Movies of Yesteryear Quiz
Here's a fun movie quiz featuring well known movies and movie stars from the past. A wonderful reminiscing quiz for seniors!
Quiz USA Reminiscing Independence Day (US) Sundance Film Festival Cannes Film Festival The Oscars 10207 483 Comments
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Jokes
Here are some funny, light-hearted jokes to share with your residents.
Jokes International Joke Day 10202 494 Comments
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